Spring hanger and method for attachment

Abstract

An improved suspension that may be used in any dynamically loaded beam structure, such as a trailer chassis. Specifically, an improved spring hanger and method for attachment are discussed, in which the improved spring hanger is welded to the web of a support beam, where stresses are lower, as opposed to the bottom flange thereof. Methods are provided for welding the spring hanger to said beam alongside as well as in contact with existing, transverse support members.

1. A spring hanger for use in a vehicle suspension for attaching suspension components to a longitudinal support beam comprising a web and lower flange, comprising:
 a first plate and a second plate in spaced, substantially parallel relation; 
 a spring seat disposed between and secured to said first and second plates; 
 wherein opposite ends of said first and second plates extend away from said spring seat upwardly and downwardly such that when viewed in an end view the hanger is substantially H-shaped; 
 a first pair of corresponding openings in the lower ends of said first and second plates adapted to receive a suspension component; and 
 a first weld member associated with the upper end of said first plate and a second weld member associated with the upper end of said second plate, said weld members being spaced apart from one another and having inwardly projecting planar portions for reducing the space between said weld members and engaging the web of said support beam and being attached thereto. 
 
     
     
       2. The spring hanger of  claim 1  further comprising a second pair of corresponding openings in the upper end of said first and second plates adapted to receive an end of said weld members. 
     
     
       3. The spring hanger of  claim 2  wherein said second pair of corresponding openings and said weld members are essentially rectangular. 
     
     
       4. The spring hanger of  claim 2  wherein said second pair of corresponding openings and said weld members are essentially circular. 
     
     
       5. The spring hanger of  claim 1  wherein said weld members are rectangular in shape and are welded to said upper ends of said first and second plates. 
     
     
       6. The spring hanger of  claim 1  wherein each of said weld members further comprise a flange, and said flanges are welded to said upper ends of said first and second plates. 
     
     
       7. The spring hanger of  claim 1  wherein said suspension component is selected from the group consisting of springs, leaf springs, and air-ride suspensions. 
     
     
       8. A method for attaching a spring hanger to a traverse support member of a vehicle chassis, wherein said member comprises a web and a lower flange, said method comprising the steps of:
 providing a spring hanger having a first plate and a second plate in spaced, substantially parallel relation, and a spring seat disposed between and secured to said first and second plates, wherein opposite ends of said first and second plates extend away from said spring seat upwardly and downwardly such that when viewed in perspective the hanger is substantially H-shaped; 
 fitting said hanger about said support member such that said upper ends of said first and second plates extend above said lower flange of said member; 
 providing a pair of weld members associated with said upper ends of said first and second plates, each of said weld members having inwardly projecting planar portions for engaging and being attached to said web of said support member; and 
 welding said weld members directly to said web. 
 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 8  further comprising the step of modifying an existing transverse support member to accommodate said weld members. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 9  wherein the existing transverse support member comprises a flange, and said existing transverse support member is modified by cutting away a portion of said flange. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 8  wherein the upper ends of said first and second plates further comprise a pair of corresponding openings each adapted to receive an end of said weld members, said method further comprising the steps of fitting said upper ends of said plates over said weld members and welding said plates to said weld members. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 8  further comprising the step of welding at least a portion of said weld member to an existing transverse support member. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12  wherein said existing transverse support member comprises a second web and wherein said portions of said weld members are welded to said second web.